Mary Jane Steitz

Mary Jane Steitz, known to her family and friends as Mary Jane, passed away with her children present on May 17, 2023, at her home in San Diego, California. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be deeply missed.

Mary Jane was born on August 3, 1940, in Fresno, California, and was the youngest child of five to her parents, Jack and Emily Hale. She married Kenneth D. Steitz, a naval aviation technician stationed at NAS Lemoore, on August 31, 1967. They were together for 52 years and had four children together.

Throughout her life, she was the epitome of a stay-at-home mom, contributing to a loving and harmonious home environment. Although somewhat begrudgingly, she was a great Navy wife, recreating this home with every new duty station from Central California, to New Orleans in the south, to the family’s last station in San Diego in 1981.

Later in her life, she was a caring grandmother. Watching after many of them during their school-age years and helping to create within them, as cousins, a strong and loving connection with each other.

She always took great pleasure in being active. She would take long walks with the dog along the local canyons and enjoyed feeding the Scrub Jays. She enjoyed working in her garden and, reminiscent of her mother, could take the simplest items that most would discard and make the nicest displays.

Mary Jane is survived by her children, Armand “Christopher” Hale, Kenneth D. Steitz, Jr., Steven Steitz, Matthew Steitz, Kimberly Steitz, and her nine grandchildren. In memory of a truly remarkable woman, we honor her strength, resilience, and generosity of spirit. She faced life's challenges head-on, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her legacy inspire us to embrace our inner strength and live our lives with courage and determination.

Mary Jane will be buried with her husband at the Miramar National Cemetery (5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122). Services will be held at 10:15 am on June 15, 2023. Receptions to follow.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Autism Society of San Diego, Cancer Society in California, or the charity of your choice.